A Simple Formula

Our friends Kevin and Jill got married last night. They may be the best looking couple of all time. Daniel DJ ed the reception and a good time was had by all. The bridal party was certainly the highlight of the evening by performing two dance offs for the bouquet and again for the garter. They also made good use of the wireless mic multiple times to serenade the other guests on the dance floor. Not only were jackets, bow ties, and cumberbuns removed, but a shirt or two made its way off. I believe all good signs that the DJ was killin' it. Let's face it...no one discards binding clothing when there's a bad DJ. I couldn't have been more proud.



PS- Jill made adorable favors that I haven't seen before. "Jill and Kevin's Kissing Kit" with mints, lip balm, and even directions on the back for a successful smooch.

When I Grow Up

West had their Winterfest assembly today. I got to see this year's royalty be escorted in by friends and parents. A new king and queen were crowned (both kids I know well which always makes it sweet to watch). The dance team performed both of their state routines after winning the state title last weekend. Their jazz/combo routine was some of the most original choreography I've seen, especially at the high school level. It is an unbelievable dance, but hip hop routines always make me wish I was out there on the stage. Sitting in the audience I so badly wanted to go back to high school and do it over again. I had the thought, "If I could do it over, I would have danced." I chose soccer and the athletic route and never once considered taking dance when I was little. If only...

But then I remember my bucket list post from yesterday. I have now given myself an excuse to do all those things I've always wished I could do. Why is it that when we're younger we say, "Some day when I'm old enough I'll (fill in the blank)." And then when we're older it's, "If only I were younger, then I'd go back and (fill in the blank)." What are we supposed to be doing during the "in-between": thinking about what we would like to do or what we missed out on? NPR today kept advertising a story coming up featuring a 95 year old ballet dancer. (I first thought they said 95 year old belly dancer. Gross. No thank you.) But a ballet dancer! How beautiful.

So what have I missed out on that I just need to jump in and give a try? And what are my dreams that I've put on hold because I'm not old enough, don't have enough savings yet, etc, blah, blah, blah, excuse. It's okay to dream...about the past and about the future. I might look funny (i.e. the juxtaposition of a 28 year old white woman in the suburbs and hip hop), but it's worth it.

Bucket List

I NEED YOUR HELP!

Okay one thing I had intended to do with this project was a sort of bucket list of things to do not just before I die, but to try THIS year. I am now taking suggestions. Examples could include: taking horseback riding lessons, taking a hip hop dance class, dressing as a mascot (all things I would like to do). Please comment any ideas you have and I'll see what we can come up with. Also if you can help me accomplish any of the things on my soon to be list, let me know. For example, do you know a business or sports team that needs someone to wear their mascot costume for an event, etc? I will do something you wish you could do or I am also open to participating with you for one of your ideas. Wanting to sing karaoke in public? I will sing by your side! So send in your suggestions and let the games begin!

Xanga and Thoughts From 2006

Last night Daniel tracked down his old Xanga site, which helped me to locate mine. It was hilarious to go back to the world of the "weblog" before today's medium of the blog and more notably facebook. I read through all the entries and was encouraged to see how much (at least I feel like) I've grown up. Though my last entry was from July 2006, its content is extremely timely for me at this current moment. I was entering into a new stage of life, namely marriage, and was just as bright eyed and bushy tailed as it gets. As I continue into the various stages and seasons of life I hope to continue to approach the future with as much faith, trust, and bright-eyed-bushy-tailed-ness as back in 2006.

July, 3, 2006- "I learned to trust God in new ways, especially in decisions about Daniel and I's future. I have no idea what he has in store for us after next year, but I'm willing to do just about anything and go just about anywhere that he calls us to go (or stay here). So now it's back to figuring out wedding stuff and beginning the next stage of my life. I couldn't be more excited."

This is my favorite picture that I posted on that site back in the day. I shouldn't have been so trusting when it came to my future considering I was engaged to a man wielding a sword.


PS- I got quite a kick out of myself from an earlier Xanga post, "This weather has put me in quite a funk (not to be confused with 'da funk' which is a good thing, especially when brought with 'da noise')."

Getting My Muchness Back

We were able to catch an advanced screening of Alice in Wonderland tonight thanks to family. There's nothing more enchanting than a great heroine. This exchange between the Hatter and Alice stirred that part of me that is preparing to leave the safety zone and rediscover who I was intended to be.

Hatter, "You're not who you used to be. You were much more...muchier. You've lost your muchness."

Alice's journey continues and she finally wakes up to this reality. She has lost her muchness and she wants it back. Bravely she goes on to defy the Hatter's statement by coming to the rescue of all of Wonderland. Alice, "Lost my muchness have I?"


I had lost my muchness. I'm claiming it back now.

Monkey Trouble

I attended a Diaper Shower for my friend Allie this weekend. Target is selling sock monkeys now and I couldn't resist getting one for Allie's older daughter. Why should the sibling get left out of all the fun? So I diapered the monkey and themed my card similarly. I think I could start doing a whole line of greeting cards with the "Sock Monkey Trouble #" idea.

Step 1: Diaper your Monkey (that sounds dirty).

Step 2: Add in diapers and tissue to basket.

Step 3: Print card. For color cards I always just use a jpeg format and develop it like any other picture from the photo lab at WalMart.

A Day in the Life

I knew this past Friday was going to be a good day, so since I have been carrying my camera with me everywhere, I decided to document it. Below is my Friday in pictures.

Began with the typical Friday staff prayer day and while reading a fishing magazine from 1951 came across this DOOZIE of a 50's advertisement.

Grabbed fish n' chips with the gang at a LOCAL JOINT.

After first visiting the Kemper, went next door to the Nelson where I mistook ART for a real person.

Started with the classics and saw a little of THIS.

Toured the Bloch wing and perused a little of THAT.

Was enchanted HERE.

Came home and rested THESE while watching THIS with THOSE guys.

Sang along to THIS while HERE with THESE girls.

T.G.T.F.- Thank God for THIS Friday.